Atlanta, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is grappling with severe drought conditions, registering critically low rainfall amounts. After a wet summer, September and October have seen a drastic decline in precipitation, prompting concerns for the region. With millions affected, the drought is impacting agriculture and local ecosystems significantly.
Atlanta is experiencing severe drought conditions as the area witnesses a dramatic drop in rainfall. Following a period of nearly continuous rain in June and heavy precipitation in early August, September shifted drastically to dry conditions, registering only 0.16 inches of rain. October has been even more disappointing, with a mere 0.13 inches recorded since October 1, leading to historically low totals for this time of year.
Typically, fall is the driest season for Metro Atlanta, yet since Labor Day 2025, the area has received only 0.25 inches of rain, a strikingly low figure. Drought conditions have escalated, with extreme drought (D3) reported in parts of south and western Metro Atlanta, severe drought (D2) in north and central regions, and moderate drought (D1) throughout eastern Metro Atlanta. Current data indicates that the south and western Metro Atlanta will require between 5 to nearly 6 inches of rainfall in the next four weeks to alleviate the ongoing drought.
In a slight reprieve, anticipated rain on Sunday is expected to bring 1 to 2 inches; however, this is only about a quarter of what is necessary to end the drought. As of October 19, the last measurable rain in Atlanta was recorded at 0.08 inches, contributing to a total of only three-tenths of an inch in the last two months.
Approximately 8.3 million Georgians are currently facing drought conditions, with around 10% of the state classified under extreme drought. Affected areas include portions of Fulton, Clayton, Fayette, Coweta, Douglas, Henry, Spalding, Pike, and Meriwether counties. The consequences of the extreme drought are far-reaching, leading to economic losses in agriculture, cracking ground, negative impacts on landscaping businesses, loss of hay and grazing resources, outdoor burn bans, drying lakes, rivers, and livestock ponds, and enforcing mandatory water conservation measures.
Seasonal restrictions on outdoor watering remain in effect, subject to assessments from Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has recorded a rain deficit exceeding 5.5 inches for Meteorological Fall. Community residents have shared pictures showcasing significantly lower water levels in local lakes, further illustrating the urgent impact of the drought.
Meteorologists continue to forecast rain that may assist in mitigating current dry conditions, though it is unlikely to significantly resolve the ongoing drought challenges faced by the region.
Noteworthy Impacts of Current Drought Conditions
- Economic losses in agriculture
- Cracking ground
- Negative impacts on landscaping businesses
- Loss of hay and grazing
- Implementation of outdoor burn bans
- Drying up of rivers and livestock ponds
- Mandatory water conservation
Rainfall Totals and Forecasts
The total rainfall for Metro Atlanta since Labor Day 2025 stands at just 0.25 inches, with an ongoing need for significant rainfall to alleviate drought conditions.
Key Statistics
| Date | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | 0.16 |
| October 1, 2025 – October 19, 2025 | 0.13 |
| Total since Labor Day 2025 | 0.25 |
| Previous rain deficit (Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport) | 5.5 inches |
FAQ
What are the current drought conditions in Metro Atlanta?
Extreme (D3) drought is present in parts of south and western Metro Atlanta. Severe (D2) drought affects north and central Metro Atlanta, while moderate (D1) drought conditions are noted throughout eastern Metro Atlanta.
How much rainfall is needed to alleviate the drought?
Current data indicates that the south and western Metro Atlanta will require 5 to nearly 6 inches of rainfall in the next four weeks to alleviate the drought.
How long has it been since measurable rain was last recorded in Atlanta?
On October 19, Atlanta’s last measurable rain was recorded at 0.08 inches.
What are the consequences of the extreme drought?
Consequences of the extreme drought include economic losses in agriculture, cracking ground, negative impacts on landscaping businesses, loss of hay and grazing, implementation of outdoor burn bans, drying up of rivers and livestock ponds, and mandatory water conservation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Man Arrested for Threatening Shooting at Atlanta Airport
Atlanta Authorities Thwart Potential Mass Shooting at Airport
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Drought Update
- Wikipedia: Drought
- 11Alive: Extreme Drought in Metro Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drought
- WSB TV: Drought Conditions in Metro Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
